Three to See: Week of 07.20.15

There's plenty to see on the East End gallery scene these days. To help plan your weekend, here are three exhibitions in the Hamptons that should be on your list.

"Selfies and Portraits of the East End" at Guild Hall

If you haven't seen "Selfies and Portraits of the East End", now is the time to do it before it closes Sunday night. The exhibition presents a diverse overview of portraiture and self-portraiture in painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media made by East End artists.

A favorite was a series of photographs by Fischer Cherry. Each image is a reflection of the way females choose to portray themselves in "selfies". Compositions are part staged and part impromptu. Another strong series were self-portraits by photographer Bastienne Schmidt. Culled from her "Home Stills" series, the images depict Schmidt in carefully selected locations that resonate with symbolism.

"Marc Dalessio Solo Show" at Grenning Gallery

Marc Dalessio (b 1972) is a favorite in the Grenning Gallery stable, having been with the gallery for 17 years. Dalessio is an en plein air painter who strives to leave his personal voice out of the artwork in order to let nature present itself without intrepretation. Truth is important to this classically-trained painter. His recent choices of subjects and the settings demonstrate an interest in this century’s truth, according to the gallery.

Dalessio's technique and themes continue to be informed by his study of art and art history. He also paints every day so don't be surprised if witnessing art in the making adds an extra layer to viewing the art in the show.

"Looking Forward into the Past" at RJD Gallery

Opening this weekend is a group show of contemporary painters representing many of RJD Gallery's regular stable of artists. The gallery presents contemporary realism paintings that can be American magical realism, narrative or imaginative realism, "Looking Forward into the Past" promises to be a diverse show presenting a range of artist voices. Work by Kadir Nelson, Teresa Elliot and Pamela Wilson are favorites.